GQEBERHA -A partnership between Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and PRASA is expected to bring significant investment and new train services to New Brighton Train Station, one of the Metro’s busiest rail hubs.
Officials from Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) met at New Brighton Train Station today to discuss accelerating rail service improvements across the Metro.
The meeting, which was attended by NMBM’s Acting Chief Operating Officer Nkosana Dunjana, Intergovernmental Relations Director Lulamile Moolman and Human Settlements Directorate officials, focused on addressing infrastructure challenges and enhancing passenger services.
PRASA representative Andile Silo expressed the facility’s critical importance to the Metro’s transport network.
“New Brighton Station is amongst the highest revenue-generating stations along the corridor and PRASA plans to invest significant funding in upgrading the facility,” Silo stated.
The station upgrades form part of broader infrastructure improvements that will address longstanding commuter concerns relating to delays, accessibility challenges and missed trains caused by congestion and infrastructure constraints.
To immediately improve passenger experience, PRASA has reportedly adjusted operations to allow trains to remain stationary for approximately five minutes at New Brighton Station during peak periods, giving passengers sufficient time to board.
“This adjustment has already been communicated to commuters,” Silo confirmed, highlighting the agency’s responsiveness to passenger needs whilst the major upgrades are being planned.
Silo acknowledged that rail infrastructure has deteriorated but stressed that the focus is now on implementing solutions rather than dwelling on past challenges.
“Our rail infrastructure has deteriorated; however, we are where we are today and instead of focusing on the past, our priority is to turn the situation around and implement solutions,” he stated.
As part of the service enhancement plans, PRASA confirmed that an additional train service will be introduced on 12 and 13 February, marking an important milestone in the station’s improved operations.
The agency is also planning to introduce improved midday transport services in response to requests from students and elderly residents.
“There is strong demand from students for a midday train service, and we are therefore planning to launch an off-peak train that will primarily serve university students and elderly citizens who need to travel to town and back,” Silo added.
Meanwhile Dunjana expressed the broader significance of the New Brighton Station upgrades in restoring rail as a safe, affordable and reliable mode of transport for residents.
“PRASA has formally requested a partnership with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, particularly regarding the redevelopment of New Brighton Station and broader transport improvement plans across the Metro,” he said.
“Train travel has always been central to the movement of people and the growth of our economy. Our focus now is to strengthen and modernise the system so that it meets the needs of current and future users.”
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